DOLE, PESO conduct advocacy on child labor

ROSARIO, Cavite, July 13 (PIA) — Barangay officials, members of the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Rosario, representatives of the municipal social welfare and development office and permit and licensing office attended the recent advocacy of child labor conducted by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO)-Cavite.

Edwin T. Hernandez of DOLE Cavite gave an overview on the situation of child labor in the Philippines and discussed the Republic Act No. 9231 otherwise known as the Anti-Child Labor Law.

During the open forum, one of the major issues raised was the so called pedicabs driven by minors. They identified the areas such as Barangays Bagbag and Silangan 1 which they considered in the worst situation because of the vulnerability of minors to road accidents and even death.

On the other hand, DOLE CPO Director Milagros R. Mata explained the important role of barangay officials in the effective implementation of pro-active programs and enforcement of barangay ordinances and executive orders on child protection.
It was agreed during the activity that the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) should be reactivated to strengthen several programs for children within their respective jurisdiction and the master-listing of children would be facilitated by the MSWD. (CPG/Ruel Francisco, PIA-Cavite/DOLE-Cavite)